It progresses through three stages: •
Lochia rubra (or cruenta) is the first discharge, composed of blood, shreds of fetal membranes,
decidua,
vernix caseosa,
lanugo and membranes. It is red in color because of the large amount of blood it contains. It lasts 1 to 4 days after birth, before easing to light "spotting". •
Lochia serosa is the term for lochia that has thinned and turned brownish or pink in color. It contains serous
exudate,
erythrocytes,
leukocytes,
cervical mucus and microorganisms. This stage continues until around the tenth day after delivery. Lochia serosa which persists to some weeks after birth can indicate late postpartum hemorrhaging, and should be reported to a physician. •
Lochia alba (or purulenta) is the name for lochia once it has turned whitish or yellowish-white. It typically lasts from the second through the third to sixth weeks after delivery. It contains fewer
red blood cells and is mainly made up of
leukocytes,
epithelial cells,
cholesterol,
fat,
mucus and
microorganisms. Continuation beyond a few weeks can indicate a genital lesion, which should be reported to a physician. ==Complications==